sett tramped about Belpre, his wife assumed the
government at home, and Burr studied fresh means of invading her
heart. The lady neither saw nor wished any escape from the pleasant
task of entertaining the affable "pilgrim." Considering how seldom a
person of extraordinary mental gifts brought to her isolated home the
sparkle of wit, the hostess made the most of a golden opportunity. She
waited with eagerness for Burr's return from his ramble with the boys,
whose adhesiveness she knew by experience might prove too constant,
like the clinging of Sindbad's Old Man of the Sea.

Burr, despite his professed fondness for the company of boys, longed
to exchange the society of Dominick and Harman for that of their
winsome mother. Therefore, he managed to engage the lads in the
construction of a mimic fort in a cornfield. Promising to inspect the
grand earthwork when it was completed, the colonel slipped away to
reconnoiter another field.

Retreating in good order, he arrived at the long portico, and, under
its cover, passed to the hall, through which he reached the cosy room
where he and Arlington had been entertained. The French sofa, the
ebony stand, the clavier, looked familiar. The gilded harp stood
invitingly in a place of honor. He drew near the instrument, and,
smiling to himself, thrummed a few notes on the lower strings. As if
summoned by the sound, from the routine of household tasks, the
mistress of the mansion entered in her regal manner and begged pardon
for having neglected her guest.

Burr was in his element as the bird in air; his winged words now
skimmed the surface of common levels, now soared, then circled round
subjects grave or gay, often fluttering, but never failing. The range
of discussion was wide and free. They talked society, arts, countries,
travels, the pleasure of life and its pain. He told of his sojourn in
New Orleans, describing a city not celestial, but abounding in the
delights of this world. She gave reminiscences of her birthplace, the
Isle of Wight, spoke of her marriage and subsequent journeyings in
Europe and America.

Burr recalled the incidents of his previous visit, and besought madam
to sing again the songs which had delighted him that evening after the
ramble in the woods. She cheerfully complied; for singing was her
prime accomplishment. The lady felt keen enjoyment in the
consciousness of being understood and sympathized with, by a man of
brains and character.

The hour for